Good morning everybody, a newbie here

[metalman]

Hi folks, joined this forum this morning on the advice of a fellow member of another forum of a similar layout but different subject which also has an enthusiastic photography section. I feel a bit of a fraud because I have joined a forum of knowledgeable people to try to help a young lad who shall we say not had the best start in life through no fault of his own. I’m just an oldie who has known him all of his life through a former relationship with his Grandmother
The lad has always been interested in wildlife and I’m just trying to provide some direction for him. Over six months ago I started a thread on my other forum enquiring about a starter camera for predominantly wildlife and the response was overwhelming both in help and advice, but to be honest a majority of it could have been in Russian for all I know , I just didn’t understand the terminology . One member whom i shall be eternally grateful to offered me an old Bridge Camera, something I had never heard of before. Everything was in the box and he would not accept a penny for it or even for postage, some very kind people out there
I have kept this chap fully in the loop about how the lad is doing and he seems to have taken to it like a duck to water pardon the pun
Being a pensioner funds are tight but now I feel the lad is committed I can at reasonable cost try to further his interest in photography, he has patience and fieldcraft, and now needs a bit more reach . It has been suggested to me that DSLR might be the way forward and that joining a photography forum might be beneficial for help and advice. While it might be all Chinese to me, all I want to do is help a young lad while I’m able. Apologies for all the waffle, not long since discharge from hospital and still on antibiotics, but if anyone can give me some advice it would be greatly appreciated
Kind regards
Rich

 

[Norkie]

Welcome to the forum
It’s commendable that you are trying to help a young lad start his photography journey, well done

 

[G.K.Jnr.]

Hi Richard, And welcome aboard TP, looking forward to hearing from you and maybe seeing some of your images on the various forums. "Enjoy"

 

[metalman]

This was from his latest trip bearing in mind he has no car


He does persevere, using his Bridge camera

 

[Box Brownie]

Hi Richard and welcome to TP

Firstly, I hope you get well soon

It is great that you are helping him with your support and the largesse shown by the member on the other forum is commendable.

The bridge type camera is obviously 'getting him out there' to good effect.

Another forum I am on, the forum owner has made available a free guide worthy of him reading and is a pdf file to download.

Free Book: Secrets To Spotting And Approaching Wildlife​

Free Book: Secrets To Spotting And Approaching Wildlife

I just released a new (short) book for spotting and approaching wildlife. Many of the suggestions in the book came from a thread I had here a few years back. I had thought of doing a video, but it was just too long. I wrote it up thinking I'd put it in some book eventually, but then decided just...

bcgforums.com

In regard to your helping him further, in general the longer the lens the better the possible chance of capturing wildlife. There are good sources of secondhead gear and in regard to advising you I would suggest that you indicate a budget. Though if he were to join here at TP he might see what you are spending???

So, just some thoughts for now.

PS is he in Devon too? As some advice may be County specific?

 

[metalman]

Hi there and thank you for your response, it’s just what I need, at least with freshwater fishing or shooting I am comfortable but photography is something completely new, I’m an old git and not really pc literate, and just want to help a young lad with both of us on limited incomes. I can’t really afford to go wrong on my efforts hence my joining this forum.
Yes he lives in Devon in Exeter actually and still learning to drive which would be a great help getting around. His last trip meant he had to walk the best part of ten miles, but was so excited about what he had seen, I am just trying to work out the most cost effective way of getting him to progress forward with possibly a bit more reach. A DSLR route was suggested with a reasonable old camera and lens that would be affordable. Trying to get something sorted for maybe a birthday present but not knowing what would be good is like looking at the wall. Basically I don’t understand and was looking for guidance
Kind regards
Rich

 

[Box Brownie]

There is a branch of London Camera Exchange (LCE) in Exeter.
Though I cannot speak for that branch, LCE are friendly & knowledgeable and should be of some guidance & assistance to both you and him. They as far as I know able to ship second hand gear between the different shops should that be needed to be done.

I note that there is a camera club in Exeter but such clubs can be a very mixed bag.......I surmise he could go for a taster session and see what he thinks of it?

As for places to visit, especially for birdlife RSPB Reserves are plentiful such as this one

Darts Farm Nature Reserve, Exeter, Devon - The RSPB

Join us in this picturesque Clyst Valley spot where Kingfishers rest by the water and Sparrowhawks soar overhead

www.rspb.org.uk

It is likely he would meet other wildlife photographers there and if he is not too shy many would be helpful & friendly (I would sincerely hope?)

All the best with your efforts to help him progress in his wildlife & nature photography.

PS as for being old you are only a very few years older than me